Buds of my maple infested with small black bugs

[RODERLO]

I’ve just noticed that my bloodgood maple has small dark bugs all over its buds. See pictures below.

Any idea what these are and how to get them to pack their bags? Thanks!

 

[Paradox]

Aphids
I've gotten them on maple and azalea in the spring a few times. They are easily dealt with.

Some people spray the plant with a heavy stream of water to knock them off but that might also knock off your buds.

I prefer to use an insecticide spray that kills them. Just spray once and they are dead. Just don't spray on a windy day, put the plant on the ground, use protective gear to avoid/prevent breathing it, and follow instructions on the bottle.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Looks like aphids, find something to kill them and follow the instructions on the label.

 

[penumbra]

I hit them with alcohol are soapy water. These are my go tos. Sometime both followed by a shower of water.

 

[leatherback]

aphids. They are very early and annoying this year.

My go-tos..

 

[Rivian]

I noticed them early in Winter and they've not left since. So I assume they're there all year in some form or another.
Maybe it just didnt get cold enough.

 

[RODERLO]

Thanks alot everyone! I’ll try and get them off with soap water and firm rinsing first. If that doesn’t work I’ll resort to a more thorough method.

 

[Rivian]

Like Penumbra and Jelle, I used Alcohol + dishwashing soap + water yesterday. Someone else recommended just the soap + water. Just now it looked like all the aphids died, though they still stick to the twigs/buds. I have the same kind as the OP, I think. Just eyeball the sort of concentration that Jelle (leatherback) used, or some more. Spray thoroughly.
Next time I'll try it without the alcohol.

 

[Dabbler]

I do the soap + water + rubbing alcohol - then I order like 500 lady bugs for like 4 or 5 buck and do that ever 3 or so weeks. Seems to work as I don't get any on my crab apple anymore. Plus it's not toxic and the kids love releasing the lady bugs a lot.

 

[LeftHandLuke]

Next time I'll try it without the alcohol.

Not me! I find it easier to deal with pests after a few drinks.